Unlike others I'm not the best at growing things
aboard the boat. Let me rephrase that: my plants do survive but tend
not to thrive. It's me because there are some wonderfully abundant
gardens afloat, even in traveling vessels. So, what's the secret of
success?

After admiring Jean's success, I
know there is hope. Perhaps when it is warmer I'll have a better
showing than at present. Yet I'm having fun and if my results are
not spectacular, they are not totally without merit.

I do have scallions aka green onions that continue
to provide salad additions.

The scallions grow in a clay pot with some basil
that I cannot kill. In cooler weather I bring them into the
pilothouse.

On occasion I will pick up a big fat batch of scallions at the
grocery store. The larger diameter ones seem to grow better. Then I
simply place them in a tall water glass with about 1/4" of water
above the base. The roots grow long so I add water daily. Those
roots can be used in soups and stews. The flavor is quite strong.

Side Note: In the summer time the
water glass won't work. What happens here in the south is that mildew will grown on the stalks. That's why I transfer them
to the clay pot for summer.

Simply cut off the tops when needed -- the base
will continue to grow. When it's hot, I can count on 1/4" of growth
nearly every day.

Growing Vidalia Onions

As with green onions, the
larger Vidalias grow the same way. First you need to get the
roots going. That's as simple as placing the bottom of the batch
in a water bowl. After a few days the roots will sprout. See
photo, below right.

If you're a successful
gardener ashore, once afloat you'll be great.

One lovely lady, Jean onboard M/V Lily Maria is simply a
wonder. Her plants are lush and beautiful. That amazes me,
especially when one considers the salty environment we deal
with.

On the aft deck, Jean has
lots of plants growing.

Inside the cabin, philodendron thrives.
What a nice view for Sam the yellow canary.

Another talented friend I met is Lori. She lives on a
Spray replica named Anja.

Often we women exchange
plants. Lori gifted me with a lemon plant. Okay, I'm not
certain what it's called in reality but the plant smells like
lemons. It's my air-freshener and quite the favorite. Thanks
Lori!

Basil does well but none of my other spices have
survived. Please note, I'm in a boat so the air is salty. When anything lives
through my treatment, it's pretty hardy!

I'm certain there are other how to's
for lentils. I adapted as there's just me enjoying them. I don't need the quantities that some
instructions advocate.

Mostly though I grow stuff for the
simple pleasure of the results. When stuff dies I toss it and try
again. Eventually I'll get better. I hope so anyway. Already things
last longer than originally so some progress is being made.

It's fun to swap plants with new
friends afloat. I'll be starting a new batch of basil once the
weather turns. This cold weather has done zero good for any of my
plants. It's been a mite nippy.

If you have been blessed with a green thumb, please
share your secrets in the comments section.
What are you growing?